Tinubu joins Lagos Eyo parade as festival honours four legends

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Celebrate Lagos Culture at 2025 Eyo Festival

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Eyo Festival as a powerful expression of Lagos culture and a celebration of the achievements of distinguished Nigerians.

In a message to organisers of the 2025 Lagos State Eyo Festival, President Tinubu said the event represents “a great rekindling of our culture,” noting that it showcases the richness of Lagos traditions and the enduring legacy of individuals who have contributed to national development.

According to the President, the festival’s timing—coinciding with the festive travel season popularly known as Detty December—underscores the tourism potential of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians—not only eminent Lagosians,” Tinubu said.

He added that the honorees deserved the recognition, describing them as leaders whose visionary leadership and commitment to public service helped position Lagos State on both national and international platforms.

“It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion,” the President stated, adding that the white-robed Eyo procession sends a strong message about Nigeria’s identity.

The event, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos on Saturday, December 26, 2025, was attended by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; and other dignitaries.

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the leadership of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their role in reviving the festival after an eight-year hiatus.

“After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns to Lagos in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, resilience, and unbroken connection to our history,” the governor said.

He described the Eyo Festival as more than a cultural display, calling it “a living archive of our Yoruba heritage” and a symbol of unity, purity, and communal strength.

Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration remains committed to advancing Lagos’ socio-economic development while preserving its cultural heritage, adding that the festival would be leveraged to further project the state on the global stage.

Dignitaries at the event included Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and other federal and state officials.

The Eyo Festival, believed to have originated in 1854, featured colourful processions by various Eyo groups, traditional music and dance performances, and concluded with prayers for Nigeria and the President.